Want to Work on a Film Crew? Here’s How.

The entertainment biz is booming, but the spotlight isn’t just for actors and directors. Those things need people to operate them. Films need large crews of technically inclined people to make the magic happen — people with varied trade backgrounds, from electricians to carpenters to tailors.

If you’ve ever wanted a chance to explore your creativity and push the limits of your trade, film could be a fantastic career step.

Just be prepared for a bit of a slog.

Getting a job in film isn’t like other industries. It’s not about submitting resumes and waiting for the offers to roll in. Contracts are temporary and competition is heavy, so you’ll need to get good at networking. Fast.

Be Prepared to Volunteer

Once you’re in, the pay is excellent. But it takes some time to get there.

Listen, I know it’s not right.

No one really has the time or inclination to work for free. But, especially if you don’t have experience or education in film (and even if you do), this might be your only way in.

Cold resumes and applications see a very, very low success rate in technical film. Crew heads and production managers prefer to work through referral, because they have very limited time and like to know that the person they hire for the contract not only has the skills to benefit the crew, but the demeanor to work long hours.

They like to know that someone is going to be just as good to work with on hour 60, or 70, or more, of the week’s shoot as they were on hour two. Oh, yeah, did we mention film crews work absurd hours?

The blog has talked before about the importance and effectiveness of internships for success in the entertainment industry. Getting your name and face recognized as a “good worker” is the absolute best way in, so if you can get onto a set, even if you’re not being paid — do it.

That’s your job application right there.

When You’re There, Network by Working

Networking is absolutely vital.

You need to get on the personal contact lists of the people who do the hiring. On sets, emergencies happen. People get injured or sick, or a crew comes up shorthanded as projects change.

They consult a quick list that they all keep, whether it’s in the back of their minds, a notebook, or an email. If you get on one of those lists, you’re placed in a position to save someone a lot of trouble.

So the first step to good networking is to never refuse a last-minute call unless you absolutely, 100 percent cannot do it. If you take a contract that way, and prove to be even marginally competent, you might as well have a halo.

That’s as close to guaranteeing more, better paid work as you can get.

Networking on set means something a little different than networking in other circumstances. Making contacts and developing relationships is a vital part of the process, but on a set you do that by working hard and keeping your head down.

Don’t try and schmooze the director, but do take on an extra task if it comes up. By all means laugh and joke with your fellow crew, get introduced and talk about yourself, but don’t take up too much time chatting, and never, ever complain, especially about the long hours.

(That isn’t to say you shouldn’t bring up important safety and legal concerns if they come up. Do that.)

Don’t Forget the Resume

Cold resumes don’t get you very far, but you still need a good one.

Spend some time sprucing up your resume and make it film specific. Once you’ve started to develop relationships with industry pros, then the resume becomes important. Because you’d better believe they talk to each other and share info about good workers.

Join Your Local Union or Film Commission

As odd as it is, the guilds and unions of the entertainment industry work a little differently. Most people are used to thinking about unions after getting a job. For film crews, joining the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is often a primary source of work, as many employers contract through them.

State film commissions also offer resources to filmmakers and workers, and often have job listings, so getting in touch with your local chapter is a good idea.

You’re a Freelancer, Harry!

Although permanent, full-time positions are available, the vast majority of crew members start out as freelancers. This changes your financial outlook considerably from the traditional job.

Even with the ACA in a precarious position, if you don’t keep up to date with your health insurance you could face a tax penalty. Learning to avoid some of the more difficult financial pitfalls will be key to your success, especially as you navigate the choppy waters of the first few years of your film career.

Working on a film crew is long hours, hard work, and it can take a long time to “break in.” But, if you’re dedicated to the craft of filmmaking you can find yourself in a valuable, fruitful career.

Summary

Article Name

Want to Work on a Film Crew? Here’s How.

Description

If you want to work on a film crew it isn't as easy as just sending in your resume, there are some specific things you should be doing today...

Comments

I just want a job where I can make some funds to procure an apartment so that I can take more jobs. I don’t give a damn what I will be doing. I have a BA in Cinematography and film. I will do anything on the set. I just need to be able to move there.

Hi. I am spokesperson and massuse in Connecticut state. I have done some acting on broadway and on film. I love to have this opportunity to meet and discuss if I am what are who you are seeking to fit in with your projects. Please feel free to contact me 24/7. 203)518-1901. Sharlie Rustici. Call me. I am waiting!! Sincere Thanks

I know a professional musician with independent film score experience. Any room for someone with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition and a Masters in Trumpet Performance? I’d like to refer them to you if appropriate.

I have a BS in film…graduating in 2015. I have completed three major PA assignments with companies like Fox’s top Chef in Charleston, SC, American Grit in Savanah, and MTV in Panama City, Fl…all multiple month assignments. My last assignment was with the camera crew, which is where I eventually want to work. I am trying to build my resume as well as my reputation…but how do I get calls for work. I have filled in at the last minute on a couple projects who had people back out on them at the last minute. HOW DO I GET THIS JUMP STARTED.

I have worked science 1995 until now.starting from general crew until become cameraman now.also technician for arri film& digital camera,Red camera and digital camera.looking out job for more experience from big industry in state and Europe site